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Guy Bailey era begins at University of Alabama

ncoming University of Alabama President Guy Bailey held a media day with reporters at Gorgas Library on the UA campus Tuesday.

Dusty Compton | Tuscaloosa News

By Kim EatonStaff Writer

Published: Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at 11:41 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at 11:41 a.m.

TUSCALOOSA | Expanding faculty research opportunities and maintaining the University of Alabama as an institution of choice are top priorities for the Capstone’s new president.

Addressing the media on Tuesday morning, his first day on the job, two-time UA graduate Guy Bailey emphasized his pleasure at coming home.

“I spent six years on campus here, six of the best years of my life, and I can’t tell you how exciting it is to come back,” he said. “It’s exciting not only because it’s home, but because of what has happened at the university in the last decade or so.”

Encouraged by the “terrific facilities” and “quality of the people” Bailey acknowledged the work that still needed to be done, specifically regarding faculty research capabilities. His plans for doing so include expanding the size of the faculty, allowing time for faculty to conduct research and providing additional resources by enhancing the graduate student population.

“As research expenditures increase, the prestige of the university will continue to increase, providing expanded opportunities for students,” he said.

Bailey is the 37th president at UA, replacing Robert Witt, who was named chancellor of the UA system in March. Before coming to UA, Bailey served as president of Texas Tech University from 2008 to 2012 and chancellor of the University of Missouri-Kansas City from 2005-2008. This administrative experience, which includes helping expand growth in enrollment and research expenditures, is what Bailey will draw upon as UA’s president. Bailey said his knowledge of finance is also a strength, adding that he left both campuses in good positions for future growth.

Bailey said he is also looking forward to being a part of the campus. Residing on the third floor of the president’s mansion, he loves being right in the middle of everything, seeing the students walking to class and having a front-row seat to all of the action. He said he prides himself on his relationship with students and that he hopes to continue that student-centered campus concept at UA.

“I like to get to know students, have them feel comfortable talking to me, getting to know me and my wife,” he said. “I want students to believe I’m someone they can approach. I can’t solve all of their problems, but the person who can solve their problems reports to me. ... I want students to feel it starts with me and extends to all of our staff.”

Bailey will spend the next few days getting acquainted with the campus, meeting students and faculty and figuring out where to focus his priorities. He is looking forward to gradually building a relationship with head football coach Nick Saban, firstly by congratulating him on his players’ success both on and off the field.

“I couldn’t be happier with our football team and our athletics department in general. What’s really impressive is the grade-point averages and graduation rates of our athletes,” Bailey said. “I look forward to seeing what happens Saturday. I would like to go around the Quad and experience some of that excitement.”

Despite the excitement of being in a different place with new goals and ideas for the future, Bailey said he understands there will be challenges, particularly with funding, and that is something he feels he is prepared to handle. He has also heard concerns about an expanding student population and questions about an enrollment cap.

“A cap will happen when you run out of space. I don’t know what that number is right now,” he said. “You don’t want to get so large that you’re not offering the highest quality of education to students. ... But there is still room for growth.”

<p>TUSCALOOSA | Expanding faculty research opportunities and maintaining the University of Alabama as an institution of choice are top priorities for the Capstone's new president.</p><p>Addressing the media on Tuesday morning, his first day on the job, two-time UA graduate Guy Bailey emphasized his pleasure at coming home.</p><p>“I spent six years on campus here, six of the best years of my life, and I can't tell you how exciting it is to come back,” he said. “It's exciting not only because it's home, but because of what has happened at the university in the last decade or so.”</p><p>Encouraged by the “terrific facilities” and “quality of the people” Bailey acknowledged the work that still needed to be done, specifically regarding faculty research capabilities. His plans for doing so include expanding the size of the faculty, allowing time for faculty to conduct research and providing additional resources by enhancing the graduate student population.</p><p>“As research expenditures increase, the prestige of the university will continue to increase, providing expanded opportunities for students,” he said.</p><p>Bailey is the 37th president at UA, replacing Robert Witt, who was named chancellor of the UA system in March. Before coming to UA, Bailey served as president of Texas Tech University from 2008 to 2012 and chancellor of the University of Missouri-Kansas City from 2005-2008. This administrative experience, which includes helping expand growth in enrollment and research expenditures, is what Bailey will draw upon as UA's president. Bailey said his knowledge of finance is also a strength, adding that he left both campuses in good positions for future growth.</p><p>Bailey said he is also looking forward to being a part of the campus. Residing on the third floor of the president's mansion, he loves being right in the middle of everything, seeing the students walking to class and having a front-row seat to all of the action. He said he prides himself on his relationship with students and that he hopes to continue that student-centered campus concept at UA.</p><p>“I like to get to know students, have them feel comfortable talking to me, getting to know me and my wife,” he said. “I want students to believe I'm someone they can approach. I can't solve all of their problems, but the person who can solve their problems reports to me. ... I want students to feel it starts with me and extends to all of our staff.”</p><p>Bailey will spend the next few days getting acquainted with the campus, meeting students and faculty and figuring out where to focus his priorities. He is looking forward to gradually building a relationship with head football coach Nick Saban, firstly by congratulating him on his players' success both on and off the field.</p><p>“I couldn't be happier with our football team and our athletics department in general. What's really impressive is the grade-point averages and graduation rates of our athletes,” Bailey said. “I look forward to seeing what happens Saturday. I would like to go around the Quad and experience some of that excitement.” </p><p>Despite the excitement of being in a different place with new goals and ideas for the future, Bailey said he understands there will be challenges, particularly with funding, and that is something he feels he is prepared to handle. He has also heard concerns about an expanding student population and questions about an enrollment cap. </p><p>“A cap will happen when you run out of space. I don't know what that number is right now,” he said. “You don't want to get so large that you're not offering the highest quality of education to students. ... But there is still room for growth.”</p><p>Reach Kim Eaton at kim.eaton@tuscaloosanews.com or 205-722-0209.</p>